Firm comes up trumps for homeless charity

A CHARITY which transforms the lives of hundreds of homeless people has been saved from becoming homeless itself.

Shiloh, which helps people to rebuild their lives after poverty, oppression and homelessness, had its Rotherham premises on Westgate suddenly announced as unfit for purpose as they didn’t meet fire regulations.

An alternative site next door was offered by Rotherham Council, but the building needed completely fitting out so clients could wash, eat and use counselling services.

Luckily repairs provider Morrison, which has a base in the town, stepped forward to help as part of its community development programme.

Jonathan Lang, Shiloh administrator, said: “For nearly 20 years Shiloh has reached out to disadvantaged people whose lives have been blighted by addiction, deprivation and being told nobody cared.

“By trying to help those who can to turn their lives around and become valued members of society, we aim to do more than merely feed and clothe the needy.”

Morrison managed the building project and provided labour and tools free of charge, as well as helping the charity access more supplies.

Work on the new building, also on Westgate, is expected to be complete by the end of May.

Keith Burnham, volunteer project manager said: “The programme has been run to a tight schedule but everyone has risen to the challenge.

“We hope the lasting legacy of this project will mean Shiloh is able to continue supporting the most vulnerable people in Rotherham for years to come, for us this really epitomises what our commitment to the local community is all about.”

Shiloh serves more than 100 meals a day and sees over 150 people pass through its doors a week. It relies entirely on donors and volunteers.